The Perils of House Hunting

So. Jason and I have been on the hunt for about 2 weeks now. Walked through a bunch of houses. Driven by more. Practically drowned in the information we've been gathering through library books, community classes, and talking with friends and family. Our eyes are almost permanently glazed over with all the roofs, foundations, paint jobs, floor layouts, etc. we've been analyzing. Last week, however, a little surge of adrenaline was added to the mix.

We pulled up to a potential home sweet home and were greeted by our realtor. She said, "Listen, you're gonna have to brace yourselves. There is a really strong dog odor in the house. It's just a lady and her giant dog living here now, but I think the place has some good potential, after replacing all the carpeting." In we went, and did our usual checking around of the place. Just as we were wrapping things up, the owner came home. So did her dog. The back door (by the garage) was open, and as we heard the snarls and barking coming closer, we all scrambled for the front door. Our realtor was last, and couldn't get the front door shut before the dog was through. She leaped up onto the front porch railing and screamed in pure terror. I swear, I think she thought she was moments away from being eaten alive. The dog moved on from her and went after Jason, who was bookin' it outta the yard. He started jumping at him, and snapping. At about that moment, I came to my senses and stood my ground. I began yelling in my most intimidating voice possible, waving my arms and sorta charging at the dog, telling him get down and get outta here. All this took place in about 60 seconds. Finally, the owner caught up with her dog and dragged him into the house, apologizing all the way.

We all began laughing that nervous laugh you do after you've been super freaked out, only to discover that you have, in fact, survived unharmed. Our realtor came down off the porch railing and attempted to regain her dignity. Just then, the dog came barreling out of the back yard. (Apparently the back door was still open.) Back up on the railing went the realtor, back I went into intimidation mode, with Jason at my side this time, doing a much better job of being scary. When the owner had retrieved her dog a second time, the realtor still clutched onto the railing.
"Is he gone? Is he gone?" "Yes, Lynda, he's gone." We replied, bursting with laughter this time. Off the railing she jumped, crossing the yard and the street in one fluid movement. She didn't rest easy until she had gotten into her car and locked the door. She cracked the window and called, in an attempt at a calm voice, "Ok, I'll meet you at the next house!" And off she went. We had a hard time focusing on that next house because all three of us were still cracking up about the dog at the last place. (Lynda had gotten some time to calm down and see the absolute humor in her actions.) Anyway, it was a great laugh. And no, that home in not on our Top 3 List.